The cowboy boot, once a staple of the American west and a practical style of riding boot, is slowly creeping back into our wardrobes. While the last time you wore a cowboy boot may have been a fancy dress costume or a few Halloween’s ago, this embellished leather boot is making a comeback.
The original cowboy boot, although hard to pinpoint its exact creation, dates back to the 16th century in Spain. The style, with its treadless, heeled sole and slim, rounded toe, made for easy mounting and dismounting of a horse. The idea of using animal skins (notably leather or ostrich) came when the boot was introduced in Mexico, before spreading across America.
Since then, the rounded calf and tall, patterned shaft of the cowboy boot has been a timeless but practical footwear option. While it was never intended to be a trend piece, a simplified version of the boot became relatively in-style in the 1960s and then an opulent and sometimes over-the-top cowboy boot was very on-trend in the 1980s.
With a rise in sustainability and thrifting, the emerging cowboy boot resurrection doesn’t favour a particular style, colour palette or length. Early adopters of the current trend can be seen in a variety of metallic coloured boots and patent black versions, as seen on @eh.jey‘s Instagram orc classic thrifted versions on @Laini_ozark‘s TikTok.
Shopping for the perfect cowboy boot, however, can seem like a daunting task. When choosing your first pair, go for a colour that is central to your wardrobe and possibly choose a brand whose sizing you are most familiar/comfortable with.
For the higher end price point, this GANNI pair is perfect, in a versatile shade of brown guaranteed to complete any outfit.
This pair of Zara Cowboy boots are the perfect mid-priced option.
And for a lower price point, you can’t go wrong with this patent pair from ASOS.
However you choose to embrace this trend, the cowboy boot is a perfect transition piece, versatile enough to be worn with dresses, skirts, jeans and more, as well as perfect for any last-minute costume parties you get invited to.